What I actually used in My Hospital Bag (As a First-Time Mom)
Social media has a plethora of ideas about all the things you need to bring with you to the hospital. As a first-time mom, I remember feeling completely overwhelmed trying to figure out what I should pack.
Now that I’ve gone through the experience myself, I can confidently say that many of the lists online include things you may never even touch while you’re there.
I know this is technically another “hospital bag list,” but my goal is to really narrow it down. I showed up to the hospital with a huge duffle bag and ended up using only a small portion of what I brought.
These are the items I actually used and the things I will definitely bring again the next time I have a baby. Of course, everyone has different preferences, so ultimately do what feels best for you! I’ve included true necessities as well as a few small items that made a big difference for me.
The Necessities
Going-Home Clothes for You and Baby
Besides changing into clothes to go home, I honestly just stayed in the hospital gown the entire time—and it worked great for me. Nurses are constantly coming in to check on you, so keeping things accessible was actually really helpful.
If you’d prefer to change into something cozier after delivery, go for it! Just keep that in mind.
My baby also stayed swaddled in just a diaper for most of our hospital stay. It was easy to keep things simple until it was time to go home.
Toiletries
The hospital will provide most of the basic things you need, but there’s something comforting about having your own toiletries in a new and unfamiliar environment.
Even just bringing your usual toothbrush, face wash, and deodorant can make you feel a little more like yourself.
Car Seat
This one is obvious, but it’s essential. Hospitals will not let you leave without a properly installed car seat.
Phone Chargers
This one is important and surprisingly easy to forget. I highly recommend bringing a longer charging cord because you never know where the outlets will be located in your hospital room.
Little Things I’m Glad I Brought
A Small Fan
I was really nervous about feeling nauseous during labor, so I brought this small clip-on fan for the hospital bed.
It ended up being helpful not only during labor but also during the recovery days afterward. Whenever I started feeling hot or overwhelmed, turning on the fan helped me cool down quickly.
A Peri Bottle
The hospital does provide postpartum care supplies, but bringing my own peri bottle was honestly a game changer.
The hospital version worked fine, but this one I brought was much easier to use and made the whole experience more comfortable.
Things I Wish I Had Packed
More Snacks
People told us to bring snacks, and we did—but definitely not enough.
The hospital did have some snacks available and there was a cafeteria we could access, but during those middle-of-the-night moments when you’re awake with a newborn, having your own stash of snacks nearby would have been amazing.
My Own Pillow or Blanket
The hospital absolutely had pillows and blankets, so don’t worry about that. However, there is something comforting about having your own pillow or blanket from home. Looking back, I think it would have made the room feel a little more relaxing and familiar.
Things My Husband Was Glad He Packed
This is something that surprisingly doesn’t get talked about very often, but your partner needs to pack a bag too! Of course, there are the usual items like toiletries and clothes, but here are a few specific things that my husband was really glad he had.
Earbuds
These were great when I was trying to rest and he wanted to watch something or scroll on his phone without disturbing the room.
Pillow and Blanket
We all hear the jokes about where husbands sleep in hospital rooms. Even though pillows and blankets are provided, bringing your own definitely makes things more comfortable.
Snacks
Just like mom needs snacks, dad does too! Labor can be long, and you don’t want to risk missing the birth by leaving the room to find food. Having snacks nearby makes a big difference.
Slippers or Slide-On Shoes
As the dad, you end up on your feet a lot—helping with the baby, grabbing things for mom, or walking the halls. Comfortable shoes are helpful, but something easy to slide on and off is especially nice once you’re settled in the room or during those late-night shifts.
Final Thoughts
I’m sure there are a few things I may be forgetting, but when I look back at my experience, these were the items that truly made my hospital stay easier.
Social media can make it seem like you need to pack an entire suitcase for the hospital, but in reality, you can keep things much simpler.
Take what works for you and leave what doesn’t. I personally found it refreshing to hear more realistic hospital bag lists, and I hope this helps make preparing for your own hospital stay feel just a little less overwhelming.
xo Faith
